The holiday spirit is moving right along. I have been playing around the studio lately making stuff for all my sewing projects. It has been fun to dabble with no hurry.
Here's a new project I finally completed for a custom order. She wanted to collect and own something handmade from me (as an artist, i couldn't have ask for anything more inspiring than this). She requested a journal ~ since she is slowly starting to tap into her own creative dream.
Immediately i thought about a blank little journal with a handmade cover ~ a cover she could reuse over and over again. Since handmade is my livelihood. I didn't want to just pick any random blank journal off the bookshelves, i wanted the whole project to be handmade.
Inspired by my on going collaboration project with sweet Pei Li of Pei Li's Miniatures, i contacted a talented friend, Evelin of Angelicquirk, to whip me up a few naked handmade A6 size journals. It goes without saying that i know how important it is to support other artisans. Being in support of one another in ways you are comfortable with, either financially or spreading the word, is one way to boost our handmade market growth.
After months of waiting (I've been known to get distracted) the journal is complete and out the door soon. Thanks for being so patient! I hope you like it.
This little piece of embroidery is a reminder of a sentiment that "if you have dreams that you want to see come true? Go for them". I write this as a believer in the idea that dreams do come true. Reaching for that dream(s), can be exciting and a little bit scary because it hasn't happened yet. So this embroidery is symbolic of all of those beautiful things and obstacles (represented by the beautiful blooms) happening around each one of us as we take the leap to realize our dream be it creatively or not. And the bird of course is unlocking each of beautiful things or the obstacles as you step a little closer to your dream.
This particular bird has it all figured out and knows that it takes bravery, believe, faith and learning to turn feelings of desperation and fear as to whether it will happen, into feelings of hopeful expectation that it will happen.
I've used japanese natural linen for the outside layer and a sweet pink Polka Dots japanese linen for the inner layer.
I added a sweet soft pink grosgrain ribbon and attached a handmade fabric embroidered button as the bookmark for flair. Having not pulled out my embroidery needle in so long, i forgot how relaxing embroidery can be ~ very tedious, yet very relaxing.
Have a lovely merry happy mid-week.
I'm going to sew, drink tea and make a big salad.
At least those are a few things i hope to do today.
Love to you!
It is beautiful and the details amazing. I'm sure she will love it and know that it was worth the wait!
Posted by: Suzi | August 31, 2011 at 02:03 PM
The journal is sooo pretty! :-D
Posted by: Stina | August 31, 2011 at 02:14 PM
Your journal is soooo beautiful, i love the details and colors and would love to touch it, it looks yummy! Have a wonderful week. xx
Posted by: Louise Gale "Dream, Inspire, Create" | August 31, 2011 at 02:18 PM
It's beautiful!
Posted by: creativechaos | August 31, 2011 at 02:18 PM
Wow!!! Absolutely beautiful Jacqueline! It's the small details that I love about your work - the little stitches and detail here and there, the embroidery and the motive behind it - you are so talented J.
Love to you and your family,
Allison xx
Posted by: Allison | August 31, 2011 at 03:02 PM
How delightful, Jacqueline! The details are stunning too! I bet she'll love it!
Posted by: Kate England | August 31, 2011 at 03:08 PM
Dear Jacqueline,
I'm loving this sweet handmade journal! It's beautiful and I love all the special little touches you've added to it!
Pei Li
Posted by: Dollhouse Miniatures by Pei Li | August 31, 2011 at 03:47 PM
it is really very sweet and beautiful and only more so, in person i'm sure! :)!!
Posted by: jan avellana | August 31, 2011 at 04:27 PM
This is definitely worth the wait, the though that you put into creating this, the details, consideration for the person you made this for...you are such a thoughtful person Jacqueline and might I add always so supportive of your fellow artists which I always hugely appreciate, just so you know :)
Posted by: Veronika | August 31, 2011 at 05:26 PM
the book cover is gorgeous!! I love the details you put in! :) So much love!
Making book jackets is on my To-Do List since January but I haven't got started on it yet! LOL... well, so is a ton of other things! :)
But I'm so happy to see your beautiful creation! It's lovely! Thank you for your support :)
Posted by: Evelin | August 31, 2011 at 05:41 PM
How beautifully sweet this journal cover is. Your friend is a very lucky girl!
Posted by: Joy Hall | August 31, 2011 at 05:49 PM
It is lovely. I know she will appreciate such a unique journal. What a great idea to make the cover removable so it can be used again and again. I know I have some favorite journals that I have decorated and am inspired by their covers. This way she can always remain inspired by this cover!
Posted by: Dale | August 31, 2011 at 06:49 PM
Sweet Jaqueline, You are multi-talented! I really love it. Of course, I love everything you create! xoxo
Posted by: Laura | August 31, 2011 at 06:51 PM
What a beautiful work dear Jacqueline, full of meanings in every little detail ... your friend will treasure this one forever, I know!
Have an inspiring week, my sweet friend!
Posted by: Mina | August 31, 2011 at 07:11 PM
Sooo, sooo pretty, Jacqueline! *swoon*... LOVE the soft gray linen & your lovely, delicate embroidery, as well as the build-in bookmark. This is something very special! Happy Days ((LOVE & HUGS))
Posted by: Tracy | August 31, 2011 at 07:37 PM
This turned out great Jacqueline! The new owner will adore it I am sure. Yes, embroidery is so relaxing. It slows us down in good way. Have you visited this new site yet? http://www.welovefrenchknots.com/
Posted by: Dana Barbieri | August 31, 2011 at 07:49 PM
lovely collaboration!
Posted by: Shari | August 31, 2011 at 07:51 PM
Dearest sweet Dana, thanks so much for sharing We love French Knots with me! That is really a very inspiring site and it's going on to my blog-i-love list! Happy mid-week sweet friend and love to you!
Posted by: Jacqueline | August 31, 2011 at 08:12 PM
Jacqueline, I love your new journals. So very sweet!
Posted by: Laura | August 31, 2011 at 08:35 PM
How very fabulous! What a wonderful way to inspire the creative spirit! Beautiful. Also, thank you for your sweet, encouraging comments to me. You have a sweet spirit.
Posted by: Barbara German | August 31, 2011 at 09:00 PM
Oh my goodness my sweet friend...these are beyond words..they are simply adorable! Your inspire me with your creativity...hugs to you. xoxoxo
Posted by: koralee | August 31, 2011 at 09:11 PM
This is lovely, such peaceful colours!
Posted by: Amanda | August 31, 2011 at 09:26 PM
Beautiful journal. I love the sentiments you've made in your post.
Posted by: Suzanne | August 31, 2011 at 09:29 PM
Wow wow WOW! This is so beautiful! I am just in awe of this- really, jacqueline you should be so proud of this! I had to keep zooming in- I thoughtat first thecharm was a little house w/smoke coming out the chimney. The bird with the little key-!!!! Just cute! This one really does hurt ;0).
Posted by: Rebecca | August 31, 2011 at 09:35 PM
Seriously - That really is so cute it hurts! Nice job!
Posted by: Angie Fraley | August 31, 2011 at 10:29 PM